My name is Andrew and I work on the coffee team. I'm here today to tell you about a fine coffee now available at participating stores, Guatemala Casi Cielo®.
In 2003, Canlis – one of the finest restaurants in Seattle – wanted a Starbucks coffee they could serve for dinner and dessert. But they believed we didn’t have an offering that could satisfy their discerning customers and deliver a premium experience in all brewing methods: brewed, pressed and espresso.
I took this as a challenge.
We invited Mark Canlis, the restaurant owner, and his chefs into our Tasting Room. We discussed ingredient sourcing and how important it was for them to truly understand where it all comes from – not just the origin, but the manner in which it was sourced and who was producing it.
During this conversation, we both realized that we shared the same passion and relentless focus on delivering the highest quality, sustainable ingredients to our customers. We also learned they wanted a coffee that was unique – something special and outside of our everyday offerings.
So, over a table of various desserts and coffees, we focused on the one coffee – the one specific region – that could deliver a cup and a story that was unparalleled: the Antigua region of Guatemala. This was the start of Guatemala Casi Cielo.
For well over 20 years, Starbucks has been buying the best farm coffees from the Antigua valley. The farms are all located at altitudes above 5,000 feet, surrounded by three volcanoes: Agua, Acatenango and Fuego. Our relationship with the farmers in this region has been cultivated over many years. We’ve helped to build, fund and sustain free medical clinics for the residents and surrounding farms.
Looking back nearly seven years ago, we created a blend out of a sincere and passionate need. While it is sometimes not easy to hear a customer’s concerns, if you allow yourself to, you will always learn something new. Guatemala Casi Cielo® taught us a lot. When we listen to a customer, we truly open up ourselves to the possibilities of what can be.
